Don't Let "Deadbeats" escape child support
As a Florida family law attorney, I am frequently approached by recipients of child support or alimony who complain that they are not getting their money. A recent study on Understanding and Managing Child Support Debt estimated there is over $1 billion in alimony or child support owed at any given time. Many times recipients will simply give up and consider it noncollectable. DON'T DO THAT!
Recent court decisions indicate that deadbeats can be forced to sell their property. Even collection against the Florida homestead protected property/home can occur. Under Florida family law, there is also a little-known method of having personal injury proceeds liened before the money is received or spent. Even trusts with spendthrift provisions are not exempt from successful support collection efforts.
In previous cases, we have successfully obtained court rulings requiring homeowners to sell their homestead protected property in order to pay off outstanding child support and alimony arrearages. This should provide a sense of hope for parents battling over child support from a payor spouse that owns a home.
If the payor spouse is in an auto accident, an order can be entered liening the personal injury settlement proceeds before they're even offered! Don't give up! If you have a Florida family law dispute, keep the faith. Call a Florida Family Law Attorney to discuss your legal matter.
Brian F. LaBovick, Esq.
Esther Uria LaBovick, Esq.
Mark R. Hanson, Esq.
Marcie Dodson, J.D.